Patrick Brazeau not credible, says Manitoba grand chief
The head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says he has no sympathy for Senator Patrick Brazeau, who has been arrested following an alleged domestic assault and removed from the federal Conservative caucus.
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak says his organization does not consider Brazeau a leader or role model in the aboriginal community.
"I can say, I think, with a lot of confidence that nobody would recognize him as a leader in the aboriginal community," Nepinak said Thursday.
"I'm satisfied that he doesn't have any credibility in our community."
Brazeau has weathered several controversies since he was appointed to the Senate in 2009, but on Thursday he was arrested at his home in Gatineau, Que., across the river from Ottawa.
Marjory LeBreton, the government Senate leader, sent a letter to Brazeau's office and caucus members informing them of his removal.
"In light of the serious nature of the events reported today, Senator Brazeau has been removed from the Conservative caucus. As this is a legal matter, I cannot comment further," LeBreton said in a statement.
Brazeau will continue to sit in the Senate as an Independent.
Before he was appointed to the Senate, Brazeau was head of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, the national organization that represents off-reserve aboriginals.
Recently, Brazeau was a vocal critic of the Idle No More movement, and he made disparaging remarks about Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's recent hunger strike.
"We know that he has a questionable history when it comes to some of his past activities amongst our people," Nepinak said.
"In terms of any sympathy, you're not going to find it from us."
Nepinak called Brazeau's past conduct hypocritical and opportunistic.
As of late Thursday, police in Gatineau said charges have not been laid in the case.
